In recent years, Dongguan has attracted numerous stars from the arts and sports worlds. The latest big name to arrive is Zhang Zhizhen, China's top male tennis player! Zhang and his team will be in Dongguan for a two-month winter training camp as they prepare for the 2025 tennis season.
At the age of 28, Zhang Zhizhen is the leading figure among China's male tennis players. This season, he has set multiple records and reached new heights in his career.
At the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in July, Zhang became the first Chinese male tennis player in the Open Era to be seeded in a Grand Slam tournament. After winning his first match at Wimbledon, Zhang's world ranking climbed to No. 31, marking a historical high for Chinese men's tennis.
At the Paris Olympics, Zhang teamed up with Wang Xinyu in the mixed doubles event. The pair advanced through the rounds to the final, ultimately winning the silver medal—China's best-ever result in Olympic tennis mixed doubles.
Tennis training
Currently, top athletes, including those in tennis, have entered their winter training period. Winter training is a crucial time for athletes worldwide, as it lays the foundation for their physical fitness and competitive performance for the upcoming season. Wang Yafan, Dongguan's cultural, tourism, and sports promotion ambassador, enthusiastically recommended her "second hometown," Dongguan, as a training base for Zhang's team.
As the new season's first match scheduled as an outdoor event, Dongguan's suitable climate, excellent tennis facilities, and growing tennis culture made it the perfect location. As a result, Zhang's team has chosen Dongguan Tennis Center for their winter training.
In Dongguan, tennis is more than just a sport; it has become part of the city's culture, reflecting its vitality. With the successful hosting of a series of tennis events and the growth of the Dongguan Tennis Association from just hundreds of members to more than 3,000, the city has laid a solid foundation for spreading tennis culture. This has not only advanced the development of tennis in the city but also contributed to shaping Dongguan's image as a vibrant and sports-driven community.
Dongguan's tennis facilities have earned recognition from China's top players and their teams, showcasing the city's high standards in building tennis training bases and its achievements in promoting and developing the sport.
